The Vermilion-Vegreville Pole Kats Special Olympics Floor Hockey Team. Photo submitted
In partnership with Goodwill Industries Of Alberta, Vermilion Chrysler will be hosting a fundraiser for the Vermilion-Vegreville Pole Kats Special Olympics Floor Hockey Team on December 1 - 2. The Pole Kats will be representing our region at the 50th Anniversary Alberta Special Olympics in Calgary in February. According to coach, Vivian Wolgien it is an opportunity that not many get, and the team is very excited. “Congratulations to Coaches Fran Serna & Vivian Wolgien and the entire team. The team has worked hard, trained and achieved so much in terms of competition leading up to winning the right to go to the Calgary Special Olympics in February. Their training and hard work has paid off, and Goodwill is excited to support this fundraising drive to support the costs to travel to and compete in the 50th Anniversary Special Olympics in Calgary. Calgary is ready to host the best ever Special Olympics and since this will be the 50th anniversary we know it will be special,” said Dale Managhan, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Alberta. Vermilion members on the Pole Kats team include captain, Justin Wolgein; and goalie, David Rein, who are beside themselves with their upcoming opportunity. Many partners are on board including past NHL and Team Canada hockey player, Paul Henderson, and Olympic silver women’s curling medalist and Team Canada skip, Cheryl Bernard. With a lot of excitement building, partners are seeking people to get behind this team in support from now until February. “I feel it is important that our residents get behind all of our teams. The Olympics are a big deal. To participate is most times unheard of so when one is granted the opportunity, the community needs to step forward. No Olympian should have to make it on their own,” said Adam McIntyre, Vermilion Chrysler General Manager. Olympic curler, Cheryl Bernard said, “Sport provides so much opportunity for athletes, for families of athletes, and for communities that support sport. I am so thankful that during my youth so many wonderful volunteers and companies sponsored sport and to others who provided me the opportunity to develop my skills, my leadership and my commitment to training and working hard. Their support and my commitment to training and to my sport of curling led me to being on the podium in Vancouver at the 2010 Olympics. At that moment when my team and I were receiving our silver medal, I reflected on the thousands of people in my life that supported my Olympic dream. It’s companies like Vermilion Chrysler and organizations like Goodwill that are making such a difference today by laying the stage for opportunities and dreams of tomorrow. I am so looking forward to cheering on the Vermillion-Vegreville Pole Kats in February as they compete in my hometown of Calgary!” There are multiple ways to support the team during a donation drive from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on December 1, and 10 a.m. – 3 pm. on December 2. You can donate used household goods and clothing to fill a Goodwill trailer at Vermilion Chrysler. By doing so, you can enter to win an estimated $1,200 entertainment prize package including Edmonton Oilers tickets, a show and two-night stay at the River Cree Resort in Edmonton. Coaches Fran Serna & Vivian Wolgien as well as members of the Pole Kats team will be operating the clothing donation trailer. They look forward to saying thank you to each caring and generous person who stops by to donate and support this fundraising event. Another way to support the team will be to place bids during the silent auction. Items will include an Olympian and Team Canada Skip Cheryl Bernard package, and a Team Canada Paul Henderson package, estimated at $750 each.
